Create depth and mood, alongside static images.
Often times we focus on cramming as much of the scene into a still image as possible. Whether we’re merging HDR images, or spanning multiple images across the frame for a wide panoramic view. This applies for Video as well. How much of the scene is fitting into view? Should you cut a lot of edits and transition with plenty of B-Roll?
….But what about some B-Roll video for Photography purposes? How can we utilize that?
I’ve had my Panasonic Lumix GH4 for about an entire year now. I sought out this camera for its unique ability to be a power tool. Offering high quality 4K video, a small micro four thirds body, and a pretty standard image size of 16 megapixels, plus a myriad of other useful features.
… I’ve been pressing the shutter, more than record..
Mix it up, Ask yourself how you can compliment your Photography.
I’ve been trying to utilize 1:00 clips and saving them. Sure sometimes I get carried away and find myself recording more than necessary taking up huge chunks of space and time. ( Especially in 4K )
Keep the clips small. 1:00 is useful on the GH4 because you can still take 8mp stills from your video, and keep it organized with smaller file sizes. How cool!
Still Videos, Converted to GIFS
Care to give it a try? Here’s how:
- Utilize free web services like Gifycat ( Pictured above ) or Adobe Photoshop
- You can use any clips, but be sure to keep the file sizes small.
- You can make GIFs of static images, or videos like this.
- Gifycat allows social sharing, and embed links.
Create vivid storytelling
A huge benefit of modern cameras is the ability to merge several images. You can combine a sky or body of water with a slower exposure, with surroundings that are locked in at a higher shutter speed.
By incorporating several images into one, we get a better idea of the area.
You can enhance this with a Cinemagraph or GIFs. B-Roll Videos are sure to grab peoples attention. Just scroll down your social media timeline. It’s all pictures and short videos.
Who said Micro Four Thirds (M4/3) doesn’t achieve shallow depth of field?
Big Merge
How much more did I squeeze into the frame?
So with the first shot, you can see on the left that it captures the scene well, but I needed to grab those heavy contrast clouds. I took another shot and aimed a little higher to capture the overcast sky.
It’s no wonder we have such images with intense dynamic range, spanning the milky way into a perfectly exposed Utah mountain range. If you want to read more about Image merging, or creating GIFs from static images check out the tutorial on Gify with the button below.
It’s easy to merge images as long as you have 2+ to create dynamic, and compelling scenes. I do this in Lightroom, with just a simple highlight of the photos, then right click and select “Merge” you can choose HDR, or Panorama.